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Boston Bruins forward Loui Eriksson skates for the first time since suffering second concussion

Loui Eriksson 11-14-13.jpg

Boston Bruins right wing Loui Eriksson skated for the first time since suffering his second concussion on Dec. 7 after a hit from Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Brooks Orpik during the first period.
(AP)

WILMINGTON – There was some encouraging news Monday at Ristuccia Arena when Boston Bruins right wing Loui Eriksson skated for the first time with strength and conditioning coach John Whitesides before practice.

Eriksson has missed the last 10 games and 15 overall with his second concussion in a five-week span after absorbing an open-ice hit from Penguins defenseman Brooks Orpik Dec. 7.

Left wing Carl Soderberg also joined the pre-practice skate.

Soderberg was sidelined during Sunday's 4-3 loss to Ottawa in the second leg of a home-and-home series. Coach Claude Julien wouldn't say whether it was a concussion, but noted Soderberg is feeling good.

He will not be available for Tuesday's game against the New York Islanders, however, which means either Nick Johnson, Craig Cunningham or even Carter Camper will be summoned from the team's AHL affiliate in Providence.

Defenseman Dougie Hamilton participated in limited drills for the first time since suffering a lower-body injury Dec. 8 against Toronto. He also partook in one-on-one work with assistant coach Doug Jarvis.

Captain Zdeno Chara, who missed Sunday's game with an undisclosed injury, skated for half the practice.

"He's progressing and we'll make a decision depending on how he's doing," Julien said.

With defenseman Dennis Seidenberg out for the season with a torn MCL and ACL, Kevan Miller was recalled from Providence.

Miller appeared in nine games earlier this season, registering his first NHL goal and assist before being sent down to avoid waivers. Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli said the next time Miller was called up, he'd be here to stay.

"I think he's played really well when he's been here, and whether he's here for the year or not – I think the call is going to be upper management to decide that – I think there's a pretty good chance here," Julien said. "... You want a guy who's going to bring some size and some strength. He brings that all to the table, and I thought his puck management was pretty good, too. He's here right now because he's deserving to be here."

The Bruins have a tough stretch before the Olympic break, traveling to the West Coast for three games against Anaheim, Los Angeles and San Jose. After a pit stop at home against Toronto, Boston will hit up Dallas before heading to Chicago for the first time since the Stanley Cup Final.

"The expectations are always going to be high with what we've accomplished in the past here, so you set yourself up for more criticism when expectations are high," Julien said. "As a team, you just worry about doing your job, you don't worry about the perception out there. Right now, I think our guys are focused."